KUALA LUMPUR: New Zealand clinched the Hockey Nations Cup title with a dominant 6-2 win over Pakistan in the final at the National Hockey Stadium.
Defending their crown, New Zealand took control early, netting two goals in the opening quarter and adding three more in the second half to seal a comprehensive victory.
Scott Cosslett led the scoring with a brace, while Dylan Thomas, Sean Findlay, Scott Boyd, and Sam Lane each contributed a goal. Pakistan responded through Sufyan Khan and Zikriya Hayat, but the efforts fell short in narrowing New Zealand’s commanding lead.
Pakistan had reached the final after a thrilling 3-2 victory over France in a penalty shootout, following a 3-3 draw in regulation time. Goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman was instrumental, stopping three French attempts, while Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz successfully converted their penalties.
Earlier, Pakistan secured a semi-final spot due to a superior goal difference over host nation Malaysia. Although Malaysia defeated Japan 2-1 in their final group match, they were edged out after Pakistan scored nine goals across their three matches compared to Malaysia’s eight.
